Before actually talking about / judging the invention, the abstract deserves to be read.
Abstract: A receptacle assembly for receiving and retaining discharge of body waste of a canine, comprising a strap assembly and a bag assembly. The strap assembly is designed to securely mount upon the body of a canine such as a dog and comprises multiple means for securing it to the canine. The bag assembly is shaped in a form resembling a pear and is made of plastic. The bag assembly comprises exterior and interior walls joined by side pleats for expansion of the bag assembly when filled with fecal matter of the canine.
This invention provides a solution to avoid that fecal matter fall to the ground, and to prevent owners from having to pick it up and dispose of it, thus preventing the contamination and the spreading of diseases transmitted by canines and other mammals. It was granted in 2005. It really does not coincide with the topic "Silly" Patent, because it actually sounds quite applicable in real life. If one has to point out a mindless part about it, it is really about how it amplifies laziness – what is so hard about walking your dog(s) and picking up the ? And perhaps its implication for animal cruelty. Although it is intended for allowing pet owners to not have to pick up the faeces, I am guessing it could potentially be used by lazy owners so that they won't have to walk their pets, while most would say that animals should be allowed a healthy amount of outdoor activities.
The instant invention comprises a bag and strap assembly, which can be entirely made of plastic. Plastic density or thickness of the instant invention varies according to the area of the invention; at the bag assembly, the area of deposit is thinner, and at the accordion, it is slightly thicker. It is noted that the variation of thickness at the different parts of this instant invention allows it to be used and handled better, particularly during the placement and removal of the same.
Novelty
hmm. Although it sounds odd, but it is very likely that someone (with the same degree of laziness) have tied a plastic bag to a dog's butt before this patent so that they won't have to pick up the faeces. It's probably not hard to find evidence – any pictures / cartoons / ideas expressed prior to 2005 could be used to prove this point.
Non-obviousness
It pretty much can be manufactured from "normal product design and development". Quite obvious really.
Usefulness
Potentially and theoretically.
Enablement
With the 10 diagrams filed together with the patent. Yes.
As a side note, I came across this website while searching for silly patents. Not gonna to lie, it seems like a good pastime: Patently Silly.
This was a fun read, thanks for sharing. I actually don't agree that the patent is obvious; it is non-obvious in my opinion and I agree with its publication. I can't speak to the moral (animal cruelty) aspect of it, but that is not the patent office's job to determine.
ReplyDeletei remember seeing this in skymall. it looked hilarious. what person would subject their dog to this embarrasment. i feel bad for any dog who has to wear this.
ReplyDeleteInteresting invention - i personally would never make my pet wear such a thing, and i am sure they wouldn't want to have this thing hanging on them all the time. I definitely agree that it is a novel invention in that I have never seen anything like this before, but i wouldn't say this is completely obvious to come up with, as it does require drafting a design that has never been done before for the purpose of the invention, which is picking up discharge from a pet. The closest thing i could think of that has a similar concept is probably a diaper, but again, diapers are only used on humans so i think most likely there is no prior art for this.
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